By Dr. Jörg Häseler, Chefredakteur Sweets Processing

As a food chemist, I am often asked the question: What can we still eat? I would then like to answer yes or no to individual foods. However, this does not reflect the state of scientific knowledge, as it is much more complex than the question suggests.

The BfR Consumer Monitor is more informative as a central instrument of consumer health protection. As a representative population survey, it provides answers every six months to the question of what the public thinks about issues relating to consumer health protection.

In February 2024, data on the topic of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) in consumer products was collected for the first time. The results indicate that this topic is not yet widely known, as more than half of those surveyed stated that they had not yet heard of it. This low level of awareness is accompanied by a comparatively low level of concern. By far the greatest health risk for consumers, according to the respondents, is undefined undesirable substances. This is very surprising, as the greatest dangers lurk in the microbial area - especially when preparing food in the home kitchen. No legislator can intervene here.

We are all called upon to act sensibly here. With this in mind, I'll pass the buck to you: When did you last change your washing-up sponge? Did you use two forks when barbecuing in summer? One for raw meat and one for grilled food? If you would like to find out more about the consumer monitor, you will find links to further information on the BfR website on page 45.